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#68507 by pjdixit
Sat Apr 02, 2016 9:38 pm
Image

http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160402-relentless-designs-add-fourth-augmented-reality-dimension-to-3d-printed-models.html

Lately, 3D Printing has found lot of interesting applications in numerous fields. I was wondering what Architects think of adoption of 3D printing in Architectural and construction industry.

Please share your opinion or experience about 3D printing and AEC industry.
#68532 by DBrennfoerder
Tue Apr 05, 2016 9:51 pm
What do you need to work with? skp, 3ds? or other?
What does a model like the one in the photo cost?
I used to make matboard models at 1/20" to the foot scale for client info only, not for presentation graphics, but haven't done one since I got 3d ability with CAD. It looks like it would take a lot of hours for my 3d model to be complete enough to crank out a model like that, more cost out of my pocket, plus the cost of the model.
Very nice model, though.
#68533 by joshhuggins
Wed Apr 06, 2016 2:11 am
For architecture I think it's getting more rare where a client wants an actual full model unless it is for public display. The models are stuck at a single scale, and what ever detail you have you are stuck with. No room for easy revisions and refinements, varying detail levels, lighting, etc. Kind of all the same reasons we don't draw by hand anymore. A good 3D model they can navigate with something like kubity is usually enough for most, or custom fly throughs with chosen focal points. For custom shapes, profiles and molds there could be a use for it in part building for detail work and such.

The augmented reality shown is nice for the sales pitch like what they showed and maybe creative big league stuff that is just outside my scope. VR based on a 3D model would be more appropriate in the near future looking at the tech I see coming down the pipe. Lowes jump onto the AR bandwagon with Microsoft's Hololens is a little too early I think, but it might wow some now while the tech catches up. It will be the future, but think we are still 5-10 years off to semi-mainstream. CD's will still rule the day for some time after.

Outside architecture, 3D printing is going to change the world we all use everyday, and soon, if it hasn't already. :D
#68537 by pjdixit
Wed Apr 06, 2016 9:51 pm
DBrennfoerder wrote:What do you need to work with? skp, 3ds? or other?
What does a model like the one in the photo cost?
I used to make matboard models at 1/20" to the foot scale for client info only, not for presentation graphics, but haven't done one since I got 3d ability with CAD. It looks like it would take a lot of hours for my 3d model to be complete enough to crank out a model like that, more cost out of my pocket, plus the cost of the model.
Very nice model, though.


Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Most common file format for 3D printing is STL (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format)). It is a very popular file format and almost all 3D CAD software products can export in STL format including DataCAD, SketchUp, AutoCAD and 3D Studio. Lately, there were significant advances to support richer 3MF file format which allows for better color and texture support. More info here: http://3mf.io/what-is-3mf/

One of the main advantage of 3D printing is that it cuts down the time and money required to generate models dramatically. What might takes weeks by conventional methods will take just a few hours with 3D printing. Cost wise, a model which costs thousands of dollars by traditional methods will take just few hundred dollars.

There are some interesting case studies regarding Architecture and 3D Printing here: http://www.stratasys.com/resources/case-studies/architecture

Here is link to the gallery of some incredible 3D printed Architectural models: https://www.whiteclouds.com/architecture-gallery

Image
#68538 by pjdixit
Wed Apr 06, 2016 10:04 pm
joshhuggins wrote:For architecture I think it's getting more rare where a client wants an actual full model unless it is for public display. The models are stuck at a single scale, and what ever detail you have you are stuck with. No room for easy revisions and refinements, varying detail levels, lighting, etc. Kind of all the same reasons we don't draw by hand anymore. A good 3D model they can navigate with something like kubity is usually enough for most, or custom fly throughs with chosen focal points. For custom shapes, profiles and molds there could be a use for it in part building for detail work and such.

The augmented reality shown is nice for the sales pitch like what they showed and maybe creative big league stuff that is just outside my scope. VR based on a 3D model would be more appropriate in the near future looking at the tech I see coming down the pipe. Lowes jump onto the AR bandwagon with Microsoft's Hololens is a little too early I think, but it might wow some now while the tech catches up. It will be the future, but think we are still 5-10 years off to semi-mainstream. CD's will still rule the day for some time after.

Outside architecture, 3D printing is going to change the world we all use everyday, and soon, if it hasn't already. :D


Thank you for sharing your perspective Josh. It is indeed interesting!

@"The models are stuck at a single scale, and what ever detail you have you are stuck with. No room for easy revisions and refinements, varying detail levels, lighting, etc."
I just want to add that, it holds true for traditional physical-modeling methods. However, 3D printing makes it much easier to carry out iterations. I don't see 3D printing as an alternative to CAD or visualization applications but as a complimentary tool to provide additional ways to convey design concepts and as a potentially effective sales and marketing facilitator.

However, I am not an Architect so my opinion has limited value. I would love to see more discussion and input about this topic from Architects.
#68540 by Paul Nida
Thu Apr 07, 2016 9:19 am
I think there is a definite place for 3d printing. I don't think it limits you at all. When you model something in CAD you are limited to that model and that level of detail until you change it. Same thing with printing. The difference is that you can hold it in your hand, depending on the size, and view it from any angle. And for some people, that might be easier than view it on a computer, even with a giant screen. I have a personal 3d printer that I have been playing around with, but I haven't used it for anything serious yet. But I see no reason why this can't become a great tool.
#68551 by Robert Scott
Fri Apr 08, 2016 11:24 am
The cost to model and print something like this is prohibitive in most cases. Unless you have a 100 million dollar project that your trying wow investors and charm your local councilman I see it as a passing fad in architecture. For smaller scale prototypes like mechanical parts I see it's value.

In addition, the level of detail is limited by the scale of the model. I've prepared some of my own models for 3D printing and had to dumb down the detail to the point the client was not satisfied with what he was going to receive for his $$$ and decided to not go ahead. Keep in mind you have the cost of the 3D model before you even consider 3D printing.

Robert
#68554 by pjdixit
Fri Apr 08, 2016 8:57 pm
I see it as a passing fad in architecture

May be. From different sources, it seems Architecture only contributes to about 3-5% of overall 3D printing market. Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, consumer products are the areas which find more applications of 3D Printing: http://www.strategyr.com/Marketresearch ... Trends.asp

Image
#68565 by Mark Bell
Sat Apr 09, 2016 10:18 pm
This is something we'd like to explore more and make use of as the cost becomes more affordable. It would be great if future versions of DataCAD supported some type of output for 3D printing.
#68567 by joshhuggins
Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:23 am
Mark Bell wrote:This is something we'd like to explore more and make use of as the cost becomes more affordable. It would be great if future versions of DataCAD supported some type of output for 3D printing.
We can export to a STL file now from Datacad, which is pretty much the standard 3D printer format.
#68568 by pjdixit
Sun Apr 10, 2016 7:46 am
We can export to a STL file now from Datacad, which is pretty much the standard 3D printer format.

Although almost all CAD Software are capable of exporting STL files, they are hardly ready to be 3D printed without some post-processing unless model is very simple. STL format is around for very long time and it was originally meant for visualization and neutral data transfer purpose not for 3D printing.

For STL model to be able to be 3D printed it needs to be single manifold or water-tight. It should obey certain wall thickness properties and allowed wall thickness can vary from 3d printer to 3D printer and from material to material. Face normals should have certain orientation and so on.

In addition, you can do some smart optimizations like hollowing of certain solids to reduce the 3D print time and cost. So there is definitely certain preparation involved. Companies like netfabb (http://www.netfabb.com/), Simplyfy3D (https://www.simplify3d.com) are serving that need.

Here are some articles regarding how you can prepare your STL file for 3D Printing:

SketchUp - https://i.materialise.com/blog/3d-printing-with-sketchup/
http://3d.about.com/od/Creating-3D-The-CG-Pipeline/ss/Preparing-A-Model-For-3d-Printing-Model-To-3d-Print-In-5-Steps.htm

It would be great if future versions of DataCAD supported some type of output for 3D printing.

I agree. If there is need and demand, I think it will be helpful if DataCAD can create as 3DPrint-ready STL files as possible. What do you think?
#68570 by Robert Scott
Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:22 pm
The Chicago Architecture Foundation has a impressive 3D printed model.
The scale works well and its impressive to see in person:
http://www.architecture.org/experience- ... ago-model/
#68571 by pjdixit
Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:48 pm
Impressive!

I had an opportunity to see NYC's model at Queens museum. It is quite fascinating to see in person.

Image

The model is not 3D printed though (It was created in 1964 for World Fair but they keep updating it from time to time to reflect current state of the city)

More info here:
http://ny.curbed.com/2015/2/27/9986444/unlocking-the-secrets-of-new-york-citys-most-famous-model
#68572 by Robert Scott
Sun Apr 10, 2016 1:12 pm
Impressive....and all hand made!
I'll have to put that on my list if we ever make it to NYC.

Here's some more impressive 3D printing work:
http://www.jacobgubler.com/#/3dprinting/

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